Stories from February 2, 2023

Ilhan Omar is booted off the House Foreign Affairs committee, in latest partisan DC skirmish and Republicans in Minnesota want to roll back 1994 nuclear power freeze as part of climate legislation. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson, Music by Gary Meister.
Amazon reports its first unprofitable year since 2014
The biggest culprit was Amazon hefty investment in the electric automaker Rivian, whose value plummeted last year. Amazon also contends with the need to recalibrate after a pandemic-era upsurge.
5 fast facts about the lack of ice on Lake Superior this year
There’s not much ice on Lake Superior this winter and total ice cover has been decreasing in the last few decades. What’s the outlook for the rest of this winter and what’s behind the change?
U medical school vice dean on why school leaders oppose Sanford-Fairview merger
Dr. Bevan Yueh is the CEO of the University of Minnesota Physician Group and vice dean of clinical affairs at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about the concerns of the medical school leaders and staff.
This week in sports: Lynx, Gophers and Tom Brady's (second) retirement
Brady is finally hanging up his helmet, the Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Golden State Warriors, Sylvia Fowles is honored, the Gophers played Rutgers in a Big Ten basketball game, and much more in Minnesota sports.
Can $50 million close the racial wealth gap in Minnesota and the Dakotas?
Generational wealth is real— and so is the wealth gap between white and Black households. Danielle Mkali is Senior Director at Nexus Community Partners and they have $50 million to help. She speaks with host Cathy Wurzer.
'Who the Folk' is Lonny Goldsmith? How one podcaster connects Twin Cities Jewish community
Lonny Goldsmith created his podcast to capture the diversity of Jewish people across the metro area. He talked with host Cathy Wurzer about his favorite guests and what the podcast has to offer.
Weekend weather: Saturday afternoon warmup lingers through Sunday
Arctic cold will be with us Thursday night and Friday, then temperatures rebound nicely by Saturday afternoon. We have the weekend forecast details.
Ilhan Omar ousted from Foreign Affairs Committee
House Republicans voted after a raucous debate Thursday to oust Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar from the chamber's major Foreign Affairs Committee, citing her anti-Israel comments, in a dramatic escalation of tensions after Democrats last session booted far-right GOP lawmakers from committees over incendiary, violent remarks.
Winter Play: Embracing the cold across Minnesota
The only way to survive a Minnesota winter is to find joy in the season. MPR News guest host Dan Kraker talks about the unique and fun activities you can only do outside this time of year.
Bloomington police: 3 people dead in apparent murder-suicide
Bloomington police say three adults were found dead in a parked pickup truck in the city on Wednesday night, in an apparent murder-suicide. Deaths included a father and son, and a male “business associate.”
Thursday night temps may be winter's coldest; big weekend warmup
Many Minnesotans will see the coldest night of winter Thursday as frigid air makes a brief return. Temperatures and wind chills will drop through the day Thursday as gusty northwest winds blow in the cold.
2023 Grammy Awards: The full list of nominees
Across 91 categories, the nominations for the 65th Grammy Awards were led by Beyoncé, who is up for nine awards, and Kendrick Lamar, with eight.
State investigators say a domestic violence suspect shot a White Bear Lake police officer last week after refusing orders to leave his bedroom. The officer remains in intensive care. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
How Groundhog Day came to the U.S. — and why we still celebrate it 137 years later
Punxsutawney Phil predicts more winter ahead. Groundhogs may not have a great track record when it comes to weather forecasts, but experts say the tradition sheds light on our culture and environment.
Poll: Americans' wish list for new Congress shows frustration with political systems
The McCourtney Institute for Democracy’s most recent Mood of the Nation Poll asked Americans what law they would choose, in their own words, if they could enact any law at the start of the new Congress. The results show that Americans are eager for political and electoral reform, especially instituting term limits.
Dog helps family escape fire at Duluth home
Fire officials in Duluth say the barking of a yellow Lab named Dudley woke up a 12-year-old girl — who in turn alerted her family and helped everyone to escape to safety after a fire at their home Wednesday night.
Temps fall, winds rise Thursday; weekend warmup coming
The cold air strikes again after its brief retreat. This time it’s only sticking around for about 36 hours. Gusty northwest winds will drop temperatures Thursday. Thursday night will be well below zero statewide.
Russell, Edwards help Timberwolves beat Warriors in OT
D’Angelo Russell scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Anthony Edwards took over in overtime after Russell fouled out and the Minnesota Timberwolves outlasted the Golden State Warriors 119-114 on Wednesday night.
In first GOP-led hearing about the border, witnesses paint sharply different pictures
Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee blamed Biden administration policies for the record number of migrant apprehensions. Democrats accused them of fear-mongering and spreading misinformation.
Russia and Ukraine battle daily in the sky. So where are the pilots?
Russia and Ukraine are waging a fierce war in the sky involving missiles, drones and air defense systems. Yet one thing makes this fight distinctive from previous air wars: pilots are extremely rare.
Tesla slashed its prices across the board. We're now starting to see the consequences
Tesla's recent price cuts continue to reverberate, forcing Ford to follow suit while leaving Tesla owners feeling aggrieved. Here's how the move by the market leader has shaken the car industry.
New Wolves PA announcer finds there’s more than one way to the NBA
The Minneapolis native with a baritone voice beat out a competitive field last summer to become the youngest public address announcer in the team's history. 
Minnesota's carbon-free electricity bill: 8 questions, answered
The measure that sets ambitious standards for clean energy in Minnesota over the next 17 years cleared its final legislative hurdle late Thursday night, and is headed to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature.
Winter Play: Ice fishing — learning family tradition hook, line and sinker
Our staff across the state set out to try a new-to-them winter pastime. MPR News’ southwest Minnesota reporter Hannah Yang spent her first day ice fishing with her father-in-law and husband in Faribault, Minn.